Boosting Empathy and Compassion Through Mindfulness-Based and Socioemotional Dyadic Practice: Randomized Controlled Trial With App-Delivered Trainings

Background Contemplative trainings have been found to effectively improve social skills such as empathy and compassion. However, there is a lack of research on the efficacy of app-delivered mindfulness-based and dyadic practices in boosting socioaffective capacity. Objective The first aim of this study was to compare a novel app-delivered, partner-based socioemotional intervention (Affect Dyad) with mindfulness-based training to foster empathy and compassion for the self or others. The second aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of these effects. Methods This randomized controlled trial included socioemotional and mindfulness-based interventions and a waitlist control group, which received socioemotional training after the postintervention assessment. We used linear mixed-effects models to test intervention effects on self-report measures and an ecologically valid computer task of empathy, compassion for the self and others, and theory of mind. Moderated mediation models were used to investigate whether changes in acceptance, empathic distress, empathic listening, interoceptive awareness, and mindfulness served as underlying psychological processes of intervention effects. Results In 218 participants (mean age 44.12, SD 11.71 years; 160/218, 73.4% female), we found all interventions to have positive effects on composite scores for compassion toward the self (βsocioemotional=.44, P<.001; βwaitlist socioemotional=.30, P=.002; βmindfulness-based=.35, P<.001) and others (βsocioemotional=.24, P=.003; βwaitlist socioemotional=.35, P<.001; βmindfulness-based=.29, P<.001). Compassion measured with the computer task did not change significantly but showed a trend toward increase only in socioemotional dyadic practice (βsocioemotional=.08, P=.08; βwaitlist socioemotional=.11, P=.06). Similarly, on the empathic concern subscale of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, a nonsignificant trend toward increase was found in the socioemotional intervention group (βsocioemotional=.17; P=.08). Empathy significantly increased in both socioemotional groups (βsocioemotional=.16, P=.03; βwaitlist socioemotional=.35, P<.001) and the mindfulness-based group (βmindfulness-based=.15; P=.04). The measures of theory of mind did not change over time. In the mindfulness-based group, the increase in self-compassion was mediated by a decrease in empathic distress (indirect effect abmindfulness-based=0.07, 95% CI 0.02-0.14). In the socioemotional group, an increase in self-compassion could be predicted by an increase in acceptance (βsocioemotional=6.63, 95% CI 0.52-12.38). Conclusions Using a multimethod approach, this study shows that app-delivered socioemotional and mindfulness-based trainings are effective in fostering compassion for the self and others in self-report. Both low-dose trainings could boost behavioral empathy markers; however, the effects on behavioral and dispositional markers of compassion only trended after dyadic practice, yet these effects did not reach statistical significance. Training-related increases in self-compassion rely on differential psychological processes, that is, on improved empathic distress regulation through mindfulness-based training and the activation of a human care– and acceptance-based system through socioemotional dyadic training. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04889508; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04889508

yes: all primary outcomes were signi cantly better in intervention group vs control partly: SOME primary outcomes were signi cantly better in intervention group vs control no statistically signi cant difference between control and intervention potentially harmful: control was signi cantly better than intervention in one or more outcomes inconclusive: more research is needed Other: not submitted yet -in early draft status not submitted yet -in late draft status, just before submission submitted to a journal but not reviewed yet submitted to a journal and after receiving initial reviewer comments submitted to a journal and accepted, but not published yet Journal * If you already know where you will submit this paper (or if it is already submitted), please provide the journal name (if it is not JMIR, provide the journal name under "other") Is this a full powered effectiveness trial or a pilot/feasibility trial? * Manuscript tracking number * If this is a JMIR submission, please provide the manuscript tracking number under "other" (The ms tracking number can be found in the submission acknowledgement email, or when you login as author in JMIR. If the paper is already published in JMIR, then the ms tracking number is the four-digit number at the end of the DOI, to be found at the bottom of each published article in JMIR) ms#45027 TITLE AND ABSTRACT 1a) TITLE: Identification as a randomized trial in the title

1a-i) Identify the mode of delivery in the title
Identify the mode of delivery. Preferably use "web-based" and/or "mobile" and/or "electronic game" in the title. Avoid ambiguous terms like "online", "virtual", "interactive". Use "Internet-based" only if Intervention includes non-web-based Internet components (e.g. email), use "computer-based" or "electronic" only if o ine products are used. Use "virtual" only in the context of "virtual reality" (3-D worlds). Use "online" only in the context of "online support groups". Complement or substitute product names with broader terms for the class of products (such as "mobile" or "smart phone" instead of "iphone"), especially if the application runs on different platforms.
subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential Does your paper address subitem 1a-i? * Copy and paste relevant sections from manuscript title (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study "Randomized Controlled Trial With App-Delivered Trainings"

1a-ii) Non-web-based components or important co-interventions in title
Mention non-web-based components or important co-interventions in title, if any (e.g., "with telephone support").

Does your paper address subitem 1a-ii?
Copy and paste relevant sections from manuscript title (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study 1a-iii) Primary condition or target group in the title Mention primary condition or target group in the title, if any (e.g., "for children with Type I Diabetes") Example: A Web-based and Mobile Intervention with Telephone Support for Children with Type I Diabetes: Randomized Controlled Trial Does your paper address subitem 1a-iii? * Copy and paste relevant sections from manuscript title (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study No specified target group 30/06/2023, 14:06 CONSORT-EHEALTH (V 1.6.1) -Submission/Publication Form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZBSUp1bwOc_OimqcS64RdfIAFvmrTSkZQL2-3O8O9hrL5Sw/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGlKd2Z2Q… 11/68 subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 1b-i) Key features/functionalities/components of the intervention and comparator in the METHODS section of the ABSTRACT Mention key features/functionalities/components of the intervention and comparator in the abstract. If possible, also mention theories and principles used for designing the site. Keep in mind the needs of systematic reviewers and indexers by including important synonyms. (Note: Only report in the abstract what the main paper is reporting. If this information is missing from the main body of text, consider adding it) Does your paper address subitem 1b-i? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript abstract (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study "to compare a novel app-delivered, partner-based socioemotional intervention (Affect Dyad) with mindfulness-based training " subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 1b-ii) Level of human involvement in the METHODS section of the ABSTRACT Clarify the level of human involvement in the abstract, e.g., use phrases like "fully automated" vs. "therapist/nurse/care provider/physician-assisted" (mention number and expertise of providers involved, if any). (Note: Only report in the abstract what the main paper is reporting. If this information is missing from the main body of text, consider adding it) Does your paper address subitem 1b-ii?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript abstract (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 1b-iii) Open vs. closed, web-based (self-assessment) vs. face-to-face assessments in the METHODS section of the ABSTRACT Mention how participants were recruited (online vs. o ine), e.g., from an open access website or from a clinic or a closed online user group (closed usergroup trial), and clarify if this was a purely web-based trial, or there were face-to-face components (as part of the intervention or for assessment). Clearly say if outcomes were self-assessed through questionnaires (as common in web-based trials). Note: In traditional o ine trials, an open trial (open-label trial) is a type of clinical trial in which both the researchers and participants know which treatment is being administered. To avoid confusion, use "blinded" or "unblinded" to indicated the level of blinding instead of "open", as "open" in web-based trials usually refers to "open access" (i.e. participants can self-enrol). (Note: Only report in the abstract what the main paper is reporting. If this information is missing from the main body of text, consider adding it) Does your paper address subitem 1b-iii?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript abstract (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 1b-iv) RESULTS section in abstract must contain use data Report number of participants enrolled/assessed in each group, the use/uptake of the intervention (e.g., attrition/adherence metrics, use over time, number of logins etc.), in addition to primary/secondary outcomes. (Note: Only report in the abstract what the main paper is reporting. If this information is missing from the main body of text, consider adding it) Does your paper address subitem 1b-iv?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript abstract (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer INTRODUCTION 2a) In INTRODUCTION: Scientific background and explanation of rationale 1b-v) CONCLUSIONS/DISCUSSION in abstract for negative trials Conclusions/Discussions in abstract for negative trials: Discuss the primary outcome -if the trial is negative (primary outcome not changed), and the intervention was not used, discuss whether negative results are attributable to lack of uptake and discuss reasons. (Note: Only report in the abstract what the main paper is reporting. If this information is missing from the main body of text, consider adding it) Does your paper address subitem 1b-v?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript abstract (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 2a-i) Problem and the type of system/solution Describe the problem and the type of system/solution that is object of the study: intended as stand-alone intervention vs. incorporated in broader health care program? Intended for a particular patient population? Goals of the intervention, e.g., being more cost-effective to other interventions, replace or complement other solutions? (Note: Details about the intervention are provided in "Methods" under 5) Does your paper address subitem 2a-i? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study "we aimed to test whether (1) low-dose web-based trainings with daily Affect Dyad or mindfulness-based practice could boost social emotions and (2) the Affect Dyad could outperform solitary mindfulness-based practice in improving empathy and compassion" subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 2b) In INTRODUCTION: Specific objectives or hypotheses 2a-ii) Scientific background, rationale: What is known about the (type of) system Scienti c background, rationale: What is known about the (type of) system that is the object of the study (be sure to discuss the use of similar systems for other conditions/diagnoses, if appropiate), motivation for the study, i.e. what are the reasons for and what is the context for this speci c study, from which stakeholder viewpoint is the study performed, potential impact of ndings [2]. Brie y justify the choice of the comparator.
Does your paper address subitem 2a-ii? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study "we aimed to test whether (1) low-dose web-based trainings with daily Affect Dyad or mindfulness-based practice could boost social emotions and (2) the Affect Dyad could outperform solitary mindfulness-based practice in improving empathy and compassion" METHODS 3a) Description of trial design (such as parallel, factorial) including allocation ratio 3b) Important changes to methods after trial commencement (such as eligibility criteria), with reasons Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 2b? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study "The first aim of this RCT was to compare the effects of 2 brief app-delivered practice types. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the different psychological processes underlying these practice effects" Preregistered hypotheses have been detailed.
Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 3a? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Parallel design with 1:1:1 allocation Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 3b? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Not applicable to the present study subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 4a) Eligibility criteria for participants 3b-i) Bug fixes, Downtimes, Content Changes Bug xes, Downtimes, Content Changes: ehealth systems are often dynamic systems. A description of changes to methods therefore also includes important changes made on the intervention or comparator during the trial (e.g., major bug xes or changes in the functionality or content) (5-iii) and other "unexpected events" that may have in uenced study design such as staff changes, system failures/downtimes, etc. [2].

Does your paper address subitem 3b-i?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 4a? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study "participants had to be naive to meditation and yoga practices; have no educational background in psychology; have no current psychopathology, suicidality, chronic illness, or pain; and not use illicit or prescribed substances that affect physiological stress markers"

4a-i) Computer / Internet literacy
Computer / Internet literacy is often an implicit "de facto" eligibility criterion -this should be explicitly clari ed.

Does your paper address subitem 4a-i?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 4a-ii) Open vs. closed, web-based vs. face-to-face assessments: Open vs. closed, web-based vs. face-to-face assessments: Mention how participants were recruited (online vs. o ine), e.g., from an open access website or from a clinic, and clarify if this was a purely web-based trial, or there were face-to-face components (as part of the intervention or for assessment), i.e., to what degree got the study team to know the participant. In online-only trials, clarify if participants were quasi-anonymous and whether having multiple identities was possible or whether technical or logistical measures (e.g., cookies, email con rmation, phone calls) were used to detect/prevent these.
Does your paper address subitem 4a-ii? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Web-based assessments and recruitment. Only the empatom task was performed in person. Information given during recruitment. Specify how participants were briefed for recruitment and in the informed consent procedures (e.g., publish the informed consent documentation as appendix, see also item X26), as this information may have an effect on user self-selection, user expectation and may also bias results.

Does your paper address subitem 4a-iii?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 4b? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Data were collected online using questionnaires programmed into intervention app. Empatom data collected in person in our lab in Berlin, Germany. subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 4b-i) Report if outcomes were (self-)assessed through online questionnaires Clearly report if outcomes were (self-)assessed through online questionnaires (as common in web-based trials) or otherwise.
Does your paper address subitem 4b-i? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Primary outcomes assessed online pre and postintervention. Weekly measures assessed every week online. Empatom assessed in person pre and postintervention in person.
subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 5) The interventions for each group with sufficient details to allow replication, including how and when they were actually administered 4b-ii) Report how institutional affiliations are displayed Report how institutional a liations are displayed to potential participants [on ehealth media], as a liations with prestigious hospitals or universities may affect volunteer rates, use, and reactions with regards to an intervention.(Not a required item -describe only if this may bias results)

Does your paper address subitem 4b-ii?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZBSUp1bwOc_OimqcS64RdfIAFvmrTSkZQL2-3O8O9hrL5Sw/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGlKd2Z2Q… 25/68 subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 5-i) Mention names, credential, affiliations of the developers, sponsors, and owners Mention names, credential, a liations of the developers, sponsors, and owners [6] (if authors/evaluators are owners or developer of the software, this needs to be declared in a "Con ict of interest" section or mentioned elsewhere in the manuscript).

Does your paper address subitem 5-i?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZBSUp1bwOc_OimqcS64RdfIAFvmrTSkZQL2-3O8O9hrL5Sw/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGlKd2Z2Q… 26/68 subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 5-ii) Describe the history/development process Describe the history/development process of the application and previous formative evaluations (e.g., focus groups, usability testing), as these will have an impact on adoption/use rates and help with interpreting results.

Does your paper address subitem 5-ii?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study

5-iii) Revisions and updating
Revisions and updating. Clearly mention the date and/or version number of the application/intervention (and comparator, if applicable) evaluated, or describe whether the intervention underwent major changes during the evaluation process, or whether the development and/or content was "frozen" during the trial. Describe dynamic components such as news feeds or changing content which may have an impact on the replicability of the intervention (for unexpected events see item 3b).

Does your paper address subitem 5-iii?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study

5-iv) Quality assurance methods
Provide information on quality assurance methods to ensure accuracy and quality of information provided [1], if applicable.

Does your paper address subitem 5-iv?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 5-v) Ensure replicability by publishing the source code, and/or providing screenshots/screen-capture video, and/or providing flowcharts of the algorithms used Ensure replicability by publishing the source code, and/or providing screenshots/screencapture video, and/or providing owcharts of the algorithms used. Replicability (i.e., other researchers should in principle be able to replicate the study) is a hallmark of scienti c reporting.

Does your paper address subitem 5-v?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study

5-vi) Digital preservation
Digital preservation: Provide the URL of the application, but as the intervention is likely to change or disappear over the course of the years; also make sure the intervention is archived (Internet Archive, webcitation.org, and/or publishing the source code or screenshots/videos alongside the article). As pages behind login screens cannot be archived, consider creating demo pages which are accessible without login.

Does your paper address subitem 5-vi?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer

5-vii) Access
Access: Describe how participants accessed the application, in what setting/context, if they had to pay (or were paid) or not, whether they had to be a member of speci c group. If known, describe how participants obtained "access to the platform and Internet" [1]. To ensure access for editors/reviewers/readers, consider to provide a "backdoor" login account or demo mode for reviewers/readers to explore the application (also important for archiving purposes, see vi).
Does your paper address subitem 5-vii? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study App was made freely accessible to study participants through apple and android app stores. Does your paper address subitem 5-viii? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study

5-ix) Describe use parameters
Describe use parameters (e.g., intended "doses" and optimal timing for use). Clarify what instructions or recommendations were given to the user, e.g., regarding timing, frequency, heaviness of use, if any, or was the intervention used ad libitum.

Does your paper address subitem 5-ix?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer

5-x) Clarify the level of human involvement
Clarify the level of human involvement (care providers or health professionals, also technical assistance) in the e-intervention or as co-intervention (detail number and expertise of professionals involved, if any, as well as "type of assistance offered, the timing and frequency of the support, how it is initiated, and the medium by which the assistance is delivered". It may be necessary to distinguish between the level of human involvement required for the trial, and the level of human involvement required for a routine application outside of a RCT setting (discuss under item 21 -generalizability).

Does your paper address subitem 5-x?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 5-xi) Report any prompts/reminders used Report any prompts/reminders used: Clarify if there were prompts (letters, emails, phone calls, SMS) to use the application, what triggered them, frequency etc. It may be necessary to distinguish between the level of prompts/reminders required for the trial, and the level of prompts/reminders for a routine application outside of a RCT setting (discuss under item 21 -generalizability).
Does your paper address subitem 5-xi? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Participants were trained to use the app through web-based kick-off event and onboarding sessions. Weekly online coaching sessions were also used to address questions.
subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 6a) Completely defined pre-specified primary and secondary outcome measures, including how and when they were assessed 5-xii) Describe any co-interventions (incl. training/support) Describe any co-interventions (incl. training/support): Clearly state any interventions that are provided in addition to the targeted eHealth intervention, as ehealth intervention may not be designed as stand-alone intervention. This includes training sessions and support [1]. It may be necessary to distinguish between the level of training required for the trial, and the level of training for a routine application outside of a RCT setting (discuss under item 21 -generalizability. Does your paper address subitem 5-xii? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Daily practice was supported by weekly 2-hour web-based coaching sessions with meditation teachers subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 6a? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Self-report and behavioral measures were taken at preintervention assessment and postintervention assessment 1 and at postintervention assessment 2 6a-i) Online questionnaires: describe if they were validated for online use and apply CHERRIES items to describe how the questionnaires were designed/deployed If outcomes were obtained through online questionnaires, describe if they were validated for online use and apply CHERRIES items to describe how the questionnaires were designed/deployed [9].

Does your paper address subitem 6a-i?
Copy and paste relevant sections from manuscript text Your answer subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 6a-ii) Describe whether and how "use" (including intensity of use/dosage) was defined/measured/monitored Describe whether and how "use" (including intensity of use/dosage) was de ned/measured/monitored (logins, log le analysis, etc.). Use/adoption metrics are important process outcomes that should be reported in any ehealth trial. subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 6b) Any changes to trial outcomes after the trial commenced, with reasons 6a-iii) Describe whether, how, and when qualitative feedback from participants was obtained Describe whether, how, and when qualitative feedback from participants was obtained (e.g., through emails, feedback forms, interviews, focus groups).

Does your paper address subitem 6a-iii?
Copy and paste relevant sections from manuscript text Your answer Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 6b? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Exclusion of weekly assessed items of self-kindness and fear of compassion as they now formed composites of compassion at pre and postintervention. 7a) How sample size was determined NPT: When applicable, details of whether and how the clustering by care provides or centers was addressed subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 7b) When applicable, explanation of any interim analyses and stopping guidelines 7a-i) Describe whether and how expected attrition was taken into account when calculating the sample size Describe whether and how expected attrition was taken into account when calculating the sample size.

Does your paper address subitem 7a-i?
Copy and paste relevant sections from manuscript title (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer 8a) Method used to generate the random allocation sequence NPT: When applicable, how care providers were allocated to each trial group 8b) Type of randomisation; details of any restriction (such as blocking and block size) 9) Mechanism used to implement the random allocation sequence (such as sequentially numbered containers), describing any steps taken to conceal the sequence until interventions were assigned Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 7b? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Not applicable to present study Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 8a? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Computer-generated allocation sequence Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 8b? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Block randomization was used 10) Who generated the random allocation sequence, who enrolled participants, and who assigned participants to interventions 11a) If done, who was blinded after assignment to interventions (for example, participants, care providers, those assessing outcomes) and how NPT: Whether or not administering co-interventions were blinded to group assignment Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 9? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Computer-generated random allocation sequence Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 10? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Senior researcher generated random allocation sequence, study coordinator enrolled and assigned participants https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZBSUp1bwOc_OimqcS64RdfIAFvmrTSkZQL2-3O8O9hrL5Sw/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGlKd2Z2Q… 43/68 subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 11a-i) Specify who was blinded, and who wasn't Specify who was blinded, and who wasn't. Usually, in web-based trials it is not possible to blind the participants [1, 3] (this should be clearly acknowledged), but it may be possible to blind outcome assessors, those doing data analysis or those administering cointerventions (if any).
Does your paper address subitem 11a-i? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study No blinding applied in present study 30/06/2023, 14

11b) If relevant, description of the similarity of interventions
(this item is usually not relevant for ehealth trials as it refers to similarity of a placebo or sham intervention to a active medication/intervention) 11a-ii) Discuss e.g., whether participants knew which intervention was the "intervention of interest" and which one was the "comparator" Informed consent procedures (4a-ii) can create biases and certain expectations -discuss e.g., whether participants knew which intervention was the "intervention of interest" and which one was the "comparator".

Does your paper address subitem 11a-ii?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 11b? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Interventions are not similar to each other 12a) Statistical methods used to compare groups for primary and secondary outcomes NPT: When applicable, details of whether and how the clustering by care providers or centers was addressed subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 12a? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Factor analysis to derive compassion composites, linear mixed models and moderated mediation models 12a-i) Imputation techniques to deal with attrition / missing values Imputation techniques to deal with attrition / missing values: Not all participants will use the intervention/comparator as intended and attrition is typically high in ehealth trials. Specify how participants who did not use the application or dropped out from the trial were treated in the statistical analysis (a complete case analysis is strongly discouraged, and simple imputation techniques such as LOCF may also be problematic [4]). Does your paper address subitem 12a-i? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Intention to treat approach was applied Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 12b? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study  Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer

x26-ii) Outline informed consent procedures
Outline informed consent procedures e.g., if consent was obtained o ine or online (how? Checkbox, etc.?), and what information was provided (see 4a-ii). See [6] for some items to be included in informed consent documents.

RESULTS
Does your paper address subitem X26-ii?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer

X26-iii) Safety and security procedures
Safety and security procedures, incl. privacy considerations, and any steps taken to reduce the likelihood or detection of harm (e.g., education and training, availability of a hotline) Does your paper address subitem X26-iii?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer 13a) For each group, the numbers of participants who were randomly assigned, received intended treatment, and were analysed for the primary outcome NPT: The number of care providers or centers performing the intervention in each group and the number of patients treated by each care provider in each center 13b) For each group, losses and exclusions after randomisation, together with reasons Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 13a? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study The flow diagram of participants is provided as Figure 1 Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 13b? (NOTE: Preferably, this is shown in a CONSORT flow diagram) * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study The flow diagram of participants is provided as Figure 1  Strongly recommended: An attrition diagram (e.g., proportion of participants still logging in or using the intervention/comparator in each group plotted over time, similar to a survival curve) or other gures or tables demonstrating usage/dose/engagement.

Does your paper address subitem 13b-i?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript or cite the gure number if applicable (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 14a? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study "The first intervention interval took place between August 2021 (preintervention assessment) and November 2021 (postintervention assessment 1). The waitlist control group underwent the socioemotional intervention after postintervention assessment 1, with an additional postintervention assessment 2 in February 2022 and March 2022." https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZBSUp1bwOc_OimqcS64RdfIAFvmrTSkZQL2-3O8O9hrL5Sw/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGlKd2Z2Q… 51/68 subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 14b) Why the trial ended or was stopped (early) 14a-i) Indicate if critical "secular events" fell into the study period Indicate if critical "secular events" fell into the study period, e.g., signi cant changes in Internet resources available or "changes in computer hardware or Internet delivery resources" Does your paper address subitem 14a-i?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 14b? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Not applicable to present study 15) A table showing baseline demographic and clinical characteristics for each group NPT: When applicable, a description of care providers (case volume, quali cation, expertise, etc.) and centers (volume) in each group subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 15? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study This is provided as Table 1 15-i) Report demographics associated with digital divide issues In ehealth trials it is particularly important to report demographics associated with digital divide issues, such as age, education, gender, social-economic status, computer/Internet/ehealth literacy of the participants, if known.
Does your paper address subitem 15-i? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study This is provided as Table 1 16) For each group, number of participants (denominator) included in each analysis and whether the analysis was by original assigned groups subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 16-i) Report multiple "denominators" and provide definitions Report multiple "denominators" and provide de nitions: Report N's (and effect sizes) "across a range of study participation [and use] thresholds" [1], e.g., N exposed, N consented, N used more than x times, N used more than y weeks, N participants "used" the intervention/comparator at speci c pre-de ned time points of interest (in absolute and relative numbers per group). Always clearly de ne "use" of the intervention.
Does your paper address subitem 16-i? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study This is provided in Figure 1 and throughout the methods section https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZBSUp1bwOc_OimqcS64RdfIAFvmrTSkZQL2-3O8O9hrL5Sw/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGlKd2Z2Q… 54/68 subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 17a) For each primary and secondary outcome, results for each group, and the estimated effect size and its precision (such as 95% confidence interval) 16-ii) Primary analysis should be intent-to-treat Primary analysis should be intent-to-treat, secondary analyses could include comparing only "users", with the appropriate caveats that this is no longer a randomized sample (see 18-i).

Does your paper address subitem 16-ii?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 17a? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Results consist of estimates of effect size and bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZBSUp1bwOc_OimqcS64RdfIAFvmrTSkZQL2-3O8O9hrL5Sw/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGlKd2Z2Q… 55/68 subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 17b) For binary outcomes, presentation of both absolute and relative effect sizes is recommended 17a-i) Presentation of process outcomes such as metrics of use and intensity of use In addition to primary/secondary (clinical) outcomes, the presentation of process outcomes such as metrics of use and intensity of use (dose, exposure) and their operational de nitions is critical. This does not only refer to metrics of attrition (13-b) (often a binary variable), but also to more continuous exposure metrics such as "average session length". These must be accompanied by a technical description how a metric like a "session" is de ned (e.g., timeout after idle time) [1] (report under item 6a).

Does your paper address subitem 17a-i?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer 18) Results of any other analyses performed, including subgroup analyses and adjusted analyses, distinguishing pre-specified from exploratory subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 17b? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Not applicable to present study Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 18? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Not applicable to present study

18-i) Subgroup analysis of comparing only users
A subgroup analysis of comparing only users is not uncommon in ehealth trials, but if done, it must be stressed that this is a self-selected sample and no longer an unbiased sample from a randomized trial (see 16-iii).

19) All important harms or unintended effects in each group
(for speci c guidance see CONSORT for harms) subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential Does your paper address subitem 18-i?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer Does your paper address CONSORT subitem 19? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Not applicable to the present study

19-i) Include privacy breaches, technical problems
Include privacy breaches, technical problems. This does not only include physical "harm" to participants, but also incidents such as perceived or real privacy breaches [1], technical problems, and other unexpected/unintended incidents. "Unintended effects" also includes unintended positive effects [2].

DISCUSSION
Does your paper address subitem 19-i?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer 19-ii) Include qualitative feedback from participants or observations from staff/researchers Include qualitative feedback from participants or observations from staff/researchers, if available, on strengths and shortcomings of the application, especially if they point to unintended/unexpected effects or uses. This includes (if available) reasons for why people did or did not use the application as intended by the developers.

Does your paper address subitem 19-ii?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer 22) Interpretation consistent with results, balancing benefits and harms, and considering other relevant evidence NPT: In addition, take into account the choice of the comparator, lack of or partial blinding, and unequal expertise of care providers or centers in each group subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential 22-i) Restate study questions and summarize the answers suggested by the data, starting with primary outcomes and process outcomes (use) Restate study questions and summarize the answers suggested by the data, starting with primary outcomes and process outcomes (use).
Does your paper address subitem 22-i? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study "The main aim of this RCT was to compare 2 daily app-delivered practices-a solitary mindfulness-based practice and a partner-based socioemotional practice, the Affect Dyadin their efficacy in boosting empathy and compassion for self and others using a multimethod approach. we found evidence that daily 12-minute app-delivered practice over 10 weeks could increase empathy on the EmpaToM task and self-and other-related compassion in a variety of questionnaires.

Does your paper address subitem 22-ii?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer

20-i) Typical limitations in ehealth trials
Typical limitations in ehealth trials: Participants in ehealth trials are rarely blinded. Ehealth trials often look at a multiplicity of outcomes, increasing risk for a Type I error. Discuss biases due to non-use of the intervention/usability issues, biases through informed consent procedures, unexpected events.
Does your paper address subitem 20-i? * Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study

21-i) Generalizability to other populations
Generalizability to other populations: In particular, discuss generalizability to a general Internet population, outside of a RCT setting, and general patient population, including applicability of the study results for other organizations Does your paper address subitem 21-i?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Discuss if there were elements in the RCT that would be different in a routine application setting (e.g., prompts/reminders, more human involvement, training sessions or other cointerventions) and what impact the omission of these elements could have on use, adoption, or outcomes if the intervention is applied outside of a RCT setting.

Does your paper address subitem 21-ii?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study Your answer https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZBSUp1bwOc_OimqcS64RdfIAFvmrTSkZQL2-3O8O9hrL5Sw/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dGlKd2Z2Q… 65/68 subitem not at all important 1 2 3 4 5 essential About the CONSORT EHEALTH checklist yes, major changes yes, minor changes no X27-i) State the relation of the study team towards the system being evaluated In addition to the usual declaration of interests ( nancial or otherwise), also state the relation of the study team towards the system being evaluated, i.e., state if the authors/evaluators are distinct from or identical with the developers/sponsors of the intervention.

Does your paper address subitem X27-i?
Copy and paste relevant sections from the manuscript (include quotes in quotation marks "like this" to indicate direct quotes from your manuscript), or elaborate on this item by providing additional information not in the ms, or brie y explain why the item is not applicable/relevant for your study

Your answer
As a result of using this checklist, did you make changes in your manuscript? * What were the most important changes you made as a result of using this checklist?

Your answer
How much time did you spend on going through the checklist INCLUDING making changes in your manuscript * 2 hours were spent on the checklist As a result of using this checklist, do you think your manuscript has improved? * Would you like to become involved in the CONSORT EHEALTH group? This would involve for example becoming involved in participating in a workshop and writing an "Explanation and Elaboration" document

Any other comments or questions on CONSORT EHEALTH
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